In September of 2013, the Oregon bake shop known as 'Sweet Cakes by Melissa' was closed after the owner refused to bake a cake for a lesbian wedding. She has faced having to pay a $150,000 fine for violating Oregon's anti-discrimination law.

Last week a judge ruled that the state of Washington has the authority to bring a consumer protection lawsuit against a florist who refused to provide flowers for a homosexual wedding. The shop could be held liable for violating the Consumer Protection Act. The business owner is being sued and the state attorney general is asking for a permanent injunction against the owner and her shop to comply with the law.

These are just two examples of growing persecution, attacks on free speech and bigotry against people who were merely trying to run their businesses or execute their employment while following the tenets of their Christian faith.

This edition of Crosstalk focuses primarily on the details surrounding the removal of Atlanta Fire Chief Kevin Cochran. Cochran was terminated from his duties following a city investigation. The complaint by Mayor Kasim Reed deals with a pro-family book that Cochran authored for his men's Bible study that upholds the biblical view of sexuality and contradicts the homosexual agenda.

Cochran received a one month suspension without pay in November and then it was announced that he would be fired. Before losing his job, Cochran was required to complete sensitivity training and was prevented from distributing copies of his book on city property.

More Information

To present your comments concerning the removal of Atlanta Fire Chief Kevin Cochran, call the following city of Atlanta phone numbers:

Main Switchboard--404-330-6000Mayor's Office--404-330-6100Office of Communications--404-330-6004Office of Constituent Services--404-330-6023